The 12 Toys Most Likely to Sell Out This Christmas - Reviewed

What is it? It’s Barbie’s private jet, of course. Push it on its wheels, open it up, recline the seats and play away. Comes with lots of bits and pieces (including a plastic puppy), but no Barbie dolls.

Kids’ view: Generally, my kids are impressed. “That’s cool,” says Poppy. They’re all about the extra ‘stuff’ that comes with it, but as long as that’s included (which it is), they think it’s a great toy for children around 7-years-old. Both girls agree £79.99 is too expensive, but you can currently buy it for £50 from Argos, which they feel is definitely worth it.

Parent’s view: It’s a lot of pink plastic. I’m trying to buy less plastic stuff generally, and Poppy already has a pink plane, albeit a Shopkins one, so I wouldn’t buy this, but I can see it being a hit on Christmas Day, and something – much like the Barbie Camper from last year – that would be brought out and played with.

Price: £79.99 / AED 377

What is it? The Blume doll comes in a sealed plant pot. You water the top of the pot and her hair, which is made of compressed foam, expands so she pops out. It’s got the surprise element and the hair also comes off and is interchangeable.

Kids’ view: “Oh, wow,” says Poppy. “I like gardening and it looks like gardening. I definitely want one of those.” Rosie thinks it’s a great product – and is especially impressed by the price – but says it’s too young for her.

Parent’s view: This is the perfect bargain present for Christmas. The surprise element is lovely, it’s not too big or too small, and costs a tenner. I’ll be giving at least one of these out at Christmas.

Price: £9.99 / AED 69 | Click here to buy

What is it? This is the big LOL toy for Christmas – a pink campervan which comes with 55 surprises inside, and working lights and sounds. The surprises are all bagged up and hidden in different areas of the Glamper. It also comes with one LOL doll.

Kids’ view: This was the big hitter in our house. Both the 7 and the 10-year-old want it. There’s total silence whilst we watch the video showing it off and a lot of murmerings about it being ‘so cool’. What’s cool about it? “Everything! There are so many accessories and surprise things.” Rosie is impressed by the addition of the phone holder, which means you can play your own music. Poppy thinks it’s worth every penny of that £100 note. Rosie’s less sure, but you can find it in most places for under £90 right now.

Parent’s view: There’s no doubt this is a massive crowd-pleaser. Any LOL fans are going to love you forever, and all the different surprises mean it’s a gift that will keep on giving for hours. For anyone who already has a Barbie Camper (like us) this feels incredibly similar, but with more bang for your buck. And the girls tell me it’s ‘so much better’. If you’re going to splash out on a lot of plastic, this might be the thing to buy.

Price: £99.99 / AED 471

What is it? This is a new Nerf blaster, which replicates the look and colours of the ones used in the video game Fortnite. It comes with six Nerf darts and a removable barrel attachment. The darts can fire out, reaching around 30 feet.

Kids’ view: “It’s actually really cool,” says Rosie. She thinks all the boys in her school would love it (and hopefully some less sexist girls, too). Poppy agrees anyone who likes guns would think it’s great, and they both think the price point is ‘decent’.

Parent’s view: We don’t have any Nerf toys in our house, but giving a new blaster a Fortnite makeover is a great idea, and at £20, they’re the perfect price for a Christmas present.

Price: £19.99 / AED 95 | Click here to buy

What is it? A two-in-one vehicle, which can switch from being a jet into a mobile command centre. There’s room for the Mighty Pups and the Deluxe Mighty Vehicle to fit inside, but these are sold separately.

Kids’ view: Rosie points out it’s a bit ‘babyish’ for anyone of her age. Poppy still secretly quite likes Paw Patrol and would happily play with this, and they both think the price is quite fair.

Parent’s view: I would avoid this like the plague. It’s a huge heap of plastic, takes up loads of room and seems overpriced to me, but there’s no doubt Paw Patrol fans will love it.

Price: £39.99 / AED 189 | Click here to buy

What is it? This is the latest interactive toy, which starts life as a furball baby. All you can see are two lights amid its fur. But if you play with it, and continue to play and sing to it, Rizmo will start growing tufts and ears and will soon be singing along or back at you.

Kids’ view: Rosie wouldn’t put it on her Christmas list, but Poppy is more impressed, and they’re mesmerised by the way it grows and changes through play. You need to play with it for about half an hour a day and after two weeks, he will have fully evolved.

Parent’s view: Honestly, I think this is really complicated and something my kids would get bored with. It’s the new Furby, but it requires a lot of interaction. It’s more suitable for younger children, but because of the different modes, it’s aimed at kids no younger than 6. I’d probably give it a miss, but it’s a very clever toy.

Price: £59.99 / AED 283 | Click here to buy

All products featured in this article are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something we may earn an affiliate commission. All prices are accurate at the time of publishing.